Apple Set to Replace Passwords with Passkeys – What Does That Mean for Security?

Apple demonstrated the power of passkeys at WWDC 2022 and is preparing to get rid of passwords for good. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft support the switch and are ready to implement passkey functionality in their technologies.

Many data breaches happen because passwords can be broken or stolen. They’re vulnerable to phishing attempts, malware, and human error. Passkeys are supposed to eliminate all of these issues through biometric verification, eventually making passwords obsolete.

What Are Passkeys?

In the wake of increasing cybersecurity threats and state-sponsored cyberattacks, Apple developed passkeys with the help of Google and Microsoft. Thanks to this never-ending cat and mouse game in the cybersecurity world, we’ll have a safer type of authentication that doesn’t rely so much on the user. So what are passkeys and how are they better than passwords?

A passkey is generated code that only works for one website or app. When using a passkey, you need to authenticate your login credentials with Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN code. This also means you need to have your personal device with you to verify your login credentials when using a friend’s device. Passkeys aren’t stored on servers, so you can’t share them like passwords.

That said, passkeys are actually more user-friendly than passwords. You don’t need to remember them, it takes less time to log in to your accounts, and you can sync them across multiple devices. And if you’re worried about privacy, the new password-free tech uses end-to-end encryption so even Apple doesn’t have access to your passkeys.

So far, passkeys sound like the best thing since sliced bread, but when will they hit the world wide web?

Passkeys Set for Release with iOS 16

Apple is set to release support for passkeys with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Google also plans to implement the new tech for Chrome and Android later in 2022, and Microsoft is scheduling a passkey update for Windows.

Once the new technology is released, developers will have time to adapt it to their own apps and websites. Some will do it quickly, while others will move slowly. Either way, it’s not likely you’ll be forced to use passkeys just yet. They will continue to work alongside passwords, at least for the time being. It’s possible that after a certain amount of time they will become the only way to log into an account.

Continue Using a VPN and Password Manager

Passkeys won’t replace passwords overnight so don’t give up on current tools like password managers just yet. Widespread adoption will take some time. Also, password managers will probably adapt to safeguard passkeys just like they do with passwords.

For now, the best thing you can do is to use a secure password manager to protect your credentials in an encrypted vault.

Once your accounts are secure, the next thing on your list should be to encrypt your data and digital identity with a VPN. Various organizations can track and harvest your personal information whether you use a strong password or a passkey. Use CyberGhost VPN to hide your IP and secure your connection. Your data is your own and nobody else has the right to take it.

Leave a comment

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*